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As we want to visit Marakele and we do not have a tent, we would like some help.
Please help with some good advice.

First you have to ask yourself Am I going to use the tent for a ones of or will it be used on a regular bases .

How many people do you need to cater for ?

I have always believed a tent is an investment because you never know when it will come in handy

I would say look at how much you are prepared to spend first! That will then determine what types and sizes of tents are available and you can compare pros and cons better.

Be open to buying a tent second hand (but be clever about it). I've got some good buys like this.
Have you camped before? If not, try borrow the equipment from someone on your first trip

I think of using it more than once. We haven't camped before.
Thinking of getting a good practical type of tent that we can use more than once.
EJ's question about how many I'm prepared to spend, lets say I'm willing to spend any amount necessary for a good tent.

Then - how many of you? And how much space will you have for packing equipment and luggage? Even on my own when camping I like to have space so bought a nice 10-sleeper with 2 'rooms'. It is light-weight and easy to set up on my own. I have a much smaller one for use overnight or on hikes, etc.

EJ max 4 persons.

my advice is to start off (and maybe continue) with cheap(er) nylon tents. I own a few CampMaster tents (and have slept in a few others) and have never had a problem. They're smaller and lighter than canvas, and easier to put up (in my opinion).

Picnic, Google Tentco and have a look at their dome tents.

They are reasonably priced and made of durable canvas. Ours has been serving us for 25 years and is still as good as new.
The Senior Safari Bow would possibly be good for 4 people and if you feel you need more space you can buy the Baobab extensions to go with it. Dome tents are a breeze to pitch too, no complicated pole sorting and stuff.

Josh just posted.
Happy sorting through all the conflicting advise Pics.

Hi Picnic

I have just bourght a great 3 man tent from Game in South Africa (if you are in SA that is).
It cost only R400 and it will last for years as I had a similar one before.

THey had bigger tents too and the quality is pretty good. Mosquito nets 2 entrances and
all that stuff.

I would check that shop out for a start-they usually have them setup so you cans ee what you are
going to buy.

Good luck and happy camping

I would suggest you go to outdoor warehouse - they usually have a good variety and on display. Canvas tents are usually bulkier and heavier than nylon tents, and a lot more expensive. This will give you a good idea of variety and prices. It is also a good idea to buy one with an extra room or extension than can be used as a packing/kitchen area - just make sure it can be closed off properly.

If you ever plan to camp at the coast, steer away from the "house" tents with rigid poles, and stick to dome tents
with the flexible poles - they are far better in the wind.

Happy tent shopping

Those ones with a screened area which slope outwards are not a good idea, even if you buy the solid sides to go with them.....they let in the rain horribly!

Myself and seasoned camper Ndloti, have got similar tents, Howling Moon canvas 3x3m. Heavy but durable. As with everything, if you buy the cheapest thing, then it will let you down, the moment you need it the most. A canvas tent will not cost you an arm and a leg (arm only )

Why not go the camping site of a resort or reserve closest to you and check out the various tents. Speak to the owners to find what they like and what not about the tent? Ask the about prices and so on. There will be people with various sized wallets and you will able to make an informed decision as to what you like and what not.

Here is some banter as well as advice :

viewtopic.php?p=1032117#p1032117

Thanks for the link Ndloti. The dome looks good.